Gov’t Nears Resolution of 12-Month Salary Arrears for Railway Workers – Transport Minister

The Ministry of Transport says it is working to resolve the 12-month salary arrears owed to railway workers across the country.

The Railway Workers Union of Ghana (RWU) last week threatened to halt operations and embark on a nationwide protest on September 30, 2025, if government fails to clear the outstanding arrears, which date back to October 2024.

The Union, in a letter to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, accused the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) of neglecting workers’ welfare and ignoring repeated calls for dialogue—despite appeals to the National Labour Commission, Parliament’s Transport Committee, and the Ministry of Labour.

However, speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, September 17, Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe said steps were being taken to address the matter.

“The railway industry has suffered neglect, and President Mahama has shown commitment to revitalise it to meet demand,” he stated. “The Ghana Railway Company’s operations have declined over the years, affecting its capacity to generate internal revenue to pay staff and cover operations. We have engaged with the Ministry of Finance to find a more sustainable solution going forward.”

Mr. Nikpe stressed that government was committed to the welfare of railway workers. “We feel for the workers, and we are getting close to getting them their salaries,” he assured.

Beyond addressing the arrears, the Minister said the Ministry was collaborating with security agencies and the Lands Commission to remove encroachers from railway lines.

“We are launching a campaign to clear encroachers from the railway’s right of way and secure land titles for railway lands. This will allow contractors access to sites needed to advance railway projects,” he added.